Home / Arts and Entertainment / Worf Actor Mentors New Klingon Star
Worf Actor Mentors New Klingon Star
29 Jan
Summary
- Michael Dorn shared his Klingon prosthetic experience with newcomer Karim Diané.
- Diané related to his character's outsider status as a Klingon with pacifist leanings.
- Both actors discussed challenges of fan reception and stepping into legacy roles.
Michael Dorn, the original Worf, has offered guidance to Karim Diané, who plays Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag in the new Star Trek series. Diané found Dorn's past candid discussions about the prosthetics process invaluable, even before their first FaceTime call. Dorn acknowledged the unique nature of mentoring a new generation.
Diané's character, Jay-Den, grapples with his pacifist nature, a stark contrast to Klingon warrior culture, echoing Diané's own background as a descendant of a warrior tribe who preferred the arts. The transformation process for Diané initially required up to five hours daily for makeup and prosthetics, a significant reduction from Dorn's early experiences.
Both actors discussed the intense pressure of joining the Star Trek universe and facing fan reactions. They noted shared anxieties about fan acceptance and the recurring theme of newcomers being questioned for their roles. Despite a "toxic corner" of the fanbase, both expressed immense satisfaction with their rewarding roles and the positive reception from many viewers.
